It was always expected of me to become a doctor, but unexpectedly, I found my way into the fashion industry. I couldn’t have predicted this new inspiration and feeling that became the driving force in my life and led me here. Unlike others, my adventures began when I decided to leave the medical profession behind and embrace a career in fashion.
My journey started when I was scouted for the first time at 13 years old in my hometown, Hamburg. I had grown 4 inches taller over the summer and stood at almost 6 feet tall, making me quite a standout. At that time, I had no interest in fashion and didn’t give the opportunity to become a professional model much thought. Instead, I finished school and went on to university. However, this year, several people approached me and asked if I was signed with a modeling agency. This planted a seed in my head that I couldn’t shake. I had a feeling that I needed to take a break from my comfortable life and try something completely new.
I decided to attend a few interviews and eventually got signed with an agency. After graduating from university in September, I started working full-time at the German modeling agency ‘Modelwerk’ and have been gaining experience in Milan.
Starting this job made me realize that it can be draining at times and require a lot of learning and improvement. Especially for someone like me who had no prior involvement in the industry and had never regularly had my photos taken, getting used to a camera took time. But with each time I stood in front of it, it felt more natural. As a new face, I focused on building my portfolio and took every opportunity for photo shoots.
Sometimes, on set, you can instantly feel a special connection with the team and photographer. It’s a connection where everyone shares the same vision and passion, and you all intuitively understand the next step without needing many words. These moments can happen anywhere, whether it’s in a small apartment or a beautiful beach location. These unique moments and experiences go beyond just people, fashion, and art – they are a pure collective passion. And whenever it happens, it is special, and capturing those moments through a camera is an incredible experience. To me, observing and feeling the emotions expressed through art has always been a distinct pleasure. That’s why I cherish every opportunity to be a part of this beautiful process.
Of course, not all modeling stories are glamorous. When starting out, you often encounter tricky situations that can give you a good laugh or create a shared bond with other models. I remember one of my first castings in Athens during the summer. The heat was unbearable, and I was wearing clothes that made me regret my choices. Despite the discomfort, I continued to the casting, which turned out to be in a hot and humid building without air conditioning. The outfit we were supposed to wear was made of tight black items made of latex and leather, which only made the situation worse. Despite these challenges, there have been many other unforgettable moments, like working on a beautiful Greek island or bonding with fellow models during trips.
Although the fashion industry is not always great, it’s important to be mindful and true to yourself. Setting boundaries and not succumbing to pressure is crucial, especially for young models who can easily be influenced by the wrong people. Sometimes, taking a step back and reflecting on the situation can help determine if it feels right for the present and the future.
Sports and music help me unwind no matter where I am. After constantly being on the go, I recommend always carrying a yoga mat with you!
As someone who has recently started modeling, I don’t have deep expertise yet. But when it comes to meetings and interviews with agencies and clients, it’s important to approach them as a collaborative effort. If both sides feel it’s a good fit, it will quickly become apparent. If not, it’s best to seek out a different agency. I do things as long as they keep my eyes sparkling. There are days when I question everything, but ultimately, as long as thinking about what I do makes me smile, even on the inside, I know everything is okay.
I’m looking forward to the fashion week and excited to see what the future holds. I know I want to go back to New York because it seems like the perfect place to work on different projects. I don’t have a long-term plan or a clear vision of how art, music, and medicine will come together, but I trust my curiosity and imagination to generate interesting ideas. One thing is certain, I will never settle for anything I don’t love!
